The expo gives young researchers experience presenting their ideas in the format used by many academic conferences, and it provides a forum for students to discuss cutting-edge research and creative topics with faculty and the UAB community. In 2013, nearly 300 undergraduate presenters participated in the student-planned and -led event.

This year's expo will feature a keynote address by Michael Saag, Ph.D., professor of medicine and director of the Center for AIDS Research. He will present “What is Translational Research? HIV is a prime example.” A world-renowned expert in his field, Saag performs clinical, translational and outcomes research in the areas of HIV and HCV.

The 2014 poster and oral presentation sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, April 11, at the Campus Recreation Center, 1501 University Blvd. The keynote address will begin at 11 a.m. in Volker Hall, Lecture Room B, 1670 University Blvd., followed by the awards ceremony.

Event organizers are in need of volunteer judges from all academic backgrounds to judge both the poster and oral presentation sessions. Judges may be UAB staff, faculty or members of the community.

An estimated 625 students will participate in the commencement ceremony, and 745 students will graduate. The university’s highest degrees will be conferred on 79 students from 18 states and seven countries in the doctoral hooding ceremony.

Students will present papers on topics as diverse as the Aztecs’ bloody past, the Egyptian goddess Isis, Charles-François Daubigny’s floating studio, a mask of the female Sande society and the representation of women in 18th-century French portraiture.

The UAB Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibition represents the culmination of a diverse and intensive program of undergraduate study and will feature illustration, photography and printmaking by Lucy Allen, Amber Gomez and Anna-Kate Marcum.

The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions awards the Scholarship of Excellence annually to 12 students across the nation who excel in their academic programs and have significant potential to take on future leadership roles in health professions.

The Department of Music presents this annual favorite, featuring UAB Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, the UAB Trumpet Ensemble, choirs and ensembles from area high schools, and the Steel City Men’s Chorus.

Olatuja and her band will open the concert, and the UAB Gospel Choir will then join her in performing holiday-inspired songs. Olatuja also will lead a vocal master class with students in the choir. UAB students, employees, faculty and alumni may purchase $10 tickets.

UAB and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute hosted a panel discussion Tuesday night in a lecture hall full of students, faculty and Birmingham residents to talk about civil discourse after a heated election season.

Everyone’s looking for a little peace — and students have found it in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences, a growing hub for the study of peaceful societies, human rights, nonviolent conflict resolution, and related topics. Discover useful tips for defusing friction with family and neighbors, and learn more about the practical lessons of peace.

More than 35 music students and guest performers will tell the story of shepherd boy Amahl, who sees an enormous star and is met with regal visitors bearing gifts. The production features a full set, orchestra, costumes and more.

Department of Art and Art History students will give performances on sound effects added to film and pair images of artworks from across the 20th century to 12 corresponding items from the Department of Theatre’s historical costume collection.